Democrats up, Regional Transit Authorities down

May 5, 2011

2:00 PM

UP: Democrats. Democrats managed to snare one of three Assembly seats previously held by Republicans in special elections held Tuesday to fill vacancies. Democrat Steve Doyle beats Republican challenger John Lautz to represent parts of Monroe and La Crosse counties, a seat previously held by Mike Huebsch, who now serves in the Walker administration. The Republicans' lead in the Assembly has been cut to 59-38-1, with one open seat.

DOWN: Regional Transit Authorities. The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee votes 12-4 to dissolve four regional transit authorities, including one in Dane County, that were created last year and have the power to levy a half-cent sales tax to fund transit operations. The measure will be voted on with the state budget. Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) calls the authorities "abominations."